Bravo 3 vs Bravo 1 Speed Differential?

[samsah33]

Just found out that I will soon be the proud papa of a new lower...

Current setup is Formula 240 (approx 5,000 lbs dry) with 496 Mag HO, B3X, gear ratio of 2:1, and 26p props. Max speed with 1/4 tank, one buddy, full cooler, bimini down, wind at my back, and with the current is about 58 mph.

If I switch my lower from a B3X to a B1/B1X, will I gain any additional top end, and if so, then how much? Will it take the boat from a 58mph boat to a 60mph boat or ???

Anything else I should consider in terms of performance with a new lower now that I have the opportunity to make a change?

Thanks all!

 

[4Waters]

I'm pretty sure you're on plane time will suffer unless you prop it down but then you will be back at 58mph

 

[traquer]

B3 is good up to 65mph GPS they say before the drag of the 2 props limits it. It was on my boat, 67mph on a good day, but I had a smaller 21 Essex. I forgot which pitch prop I had, but your speed sounds about right for the boat. I don't know much about prop tuning, but you may be able to go up a prop or lab existing one etc.

I know there's a trick on how to install the B3 props in relation to each other, multiple orientations work but one is better than the other. Might want to read up on that I can try to find you the link I used: https://rinkerboats.vanillacommunit...-bravo3-counter-spin-props-need-to-be-aligned

Also the B3 is the best all around at everything with the power you're running, I wouldn't change it even if they paid me $5k. Also I don't think a lower is all that's needed, it's a completely different drive. But I may be wrong.

If you have time on your hands than try it haha

 

[hallett21]

I’d try different pitch B3 props first.

B1s will always be faster with their gear ratio and propeller options.

The key is can you turn those props at that ratio?

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Get an Ilmor One-Drive and report back...

 

[hallett21]

Get an Ilmor One-Drive and report back...

Now we’re talking.

 

[Shlbyntro]

B3 is good up to 65mph GPS they say before the drag of the 2 props limits it. It was on my boat, 67mph on a good day, but I had a smaller 21 Essex. I forgot which pitch prop I had, but your speed sounds about right for the boat. I don't know much about prop tuning, but you may be able to go up a prop or lab existing one etc.

I know there's a trick on how to install the B3 props in relation to each other, multiple orientations work but one is better than the other. Might want to read up on that I can try to find you the link I used: https://rinkerboats.vanillacommunit...-bravo3-counter-spin-props-need-to-be-aligned

Also the B3 is the best all around at everything with the power you're running, I wouldn't change it even if they paid me $5k. Also I don't think a lower is all that's needed, it's a completely different drive. But I may be wrong.

If you have time on your hands than try it haha

line the trailing edge of both props up with the skeg at the same time. It's called indexing. obviously can only be done with 3/3 prop sets. 4/3 prop sets, there is no indexing

honestly it sounds to me like the OP may be over propped. I'd wanna say I would be running a 24P set with a 2.0 ratio or a 26P set with a 2.2 Ratio. to start with.

 

[MK1MOD0]

Just found out that I will soon be the proud papa of a new lower...

Current setup is Formula 240 (approx 5,000 lbs dry) with 496 Mag HO, B3X, gear ratio of 2:1, and 26p props. Max speed with 1/4 tank, one buddy, full cooler, bimini down, wind at my back, and with the current is about 58 mph.

If I switch my lower from a B3X to a B1/B1X, will I gain any additional top end, and if so, then how much? Will it take the boat from a 58mph boat to a 60mph boat or ???

Anything else I should consider in terms of performance with a new lower now that I have the opportunity to make a change?

Thanks all!

What RPM’s were you hitting at 58 mph?

 

[counterpart7]

line the trailing edge of both props up with the skeg at the same time. It's called indexing. obviously can only be done with 3/3 prop sets. 4/3 prop sets, there is no indexing

You ever notice much difference installing them this way? Just checked mine and it’s kinda close but curious if theres a noticable difference?

 

[OCMerrill]

B3 is good up to 65mph GPS they say before the drag of the 2 props limits it. It was on my boat, 67mph on a good day, but I had a smaller 21 Essex. I forgot which pitch prop I had, but your speed sounds about right for the boat. I don't know much about prop tuning, but you may be able to go up a prop or lab existing one etc.

I know there's a trick on how to install the B3 props in relation to each other, multiple orientations work but one is better than the other. Might want to read up on that I can try to find you the link I used: https://rinkerboats.vanillacommunit...-bravo3-counter-spin-props-need-to-be-aligned

Also the B3 is the best all around at everything with the power you're running, I wouldn't change it even if they paid me $5k. Also I don't think a lower is all that's needed, it's a completely different drive. But I may be wrong.

If you have time on your hands than try it haha

I have a Sterling with a 7.4 mpi and a B3. I have a 2.2 ratio upper and run a 28 prop set both three blade.
The props are cupped for a better hole shot and now I get about 58 before i'm out of rpm range (over) and need to back out.

Cutting Edge has a pair to 30's I might just buy but that 2.2 ratio is the bigger issue.

1.81 is a 1.36 upper
2.0 is a 1.50
2.2 is a 1.65

All B3's can be ditched for a B1

 

[samsah33]

What RPM’s were you hitting at 58 mph?

Pretty close to 5k with the 26p props

 

[samsah33]

line the trailing edge of both props up with the skeg at the same time. It's called indexing. obviously can only be done with 3/3 prop sets. 4/3 prop sets, there is no indexing

honestly it sounds to me like the OP may be over propped. I'd wanna say I would be running a 24P set with a 2.0 ratio or a 26P set with a 2.2 Ratio. to start with.

Thanks yes, running 4x3 props,, i don't think I'm overpropped, coming in pretty close to 5k rpm with the 26p.

 

[Outdrive1]

You’ll suffer everywhere except top end by switching to B1. Obviously they put a B3 on your boat for a reason.

 

[rrrr]

If you change drives, your boat may not plane with six or more people on board.

 

[samsah33]

Full disclosure is that my B3 lower took a dump so I need a new one and was just wondering if I got a B1 that would turn it into a significantly faster boat (because I don't see the performance boats running B3's...).

Doesn't sound like it would, and that I would lose some of my planing ability and hole shot. I might give up some low end benefits if it would take me from me from 58 to 80 (ha!), but it doesn't sound like that's the case, so I'll stick w/ the B3 for now!

Sage advice all, thank you!

 

[traquer]

Are the 4/3 prop sets slower than a 3/3 set and more of a holeshot deal? I didn't have any problem planing on my 3/3 but with a skiier it wasn't anything impressive (pretty sure I had 26 or 28 pitch). Which was perfect for me because we rarely skied or wakeboarded. Might be an option to try a 3/3 on your bravo, perhaps Hill propeller or another place will let you try some sets out for a small fee?

Also this is probably not good for the drive, but occasionally when I was going 40ish I'd hammer on the throttle and that B3 would put you back in your seat pretty good. Not sure if a B1 can do it as well.

 

[JFMFG]

If you change drives, your boat may not plane with six or more people on board.

It won’t plane no way. I have a 496ho in a magic with 2 adults and 2 kids that weigh 22 and 34lbs it barely rolls over during summer when it’s hot.